The EU has made it a priority to ensure that key funding programmes offer specific support for projects related to Key Enabling Technologies (KETs). They are a priority for Horizon 2020, European Structural and Investment Funds, and the European Investment Bank. Reforms to state aid rules are also part of the strategy to increase the exploitation of KETs in industry and create a globally competitive manufacturing sector.

The first Horizon 2020 work programme (2014-2015) provides funding for more than 20 KETs pilot lines in four areas of high industrial interest and innovation potential identified by the KETs High-level Group (high-performance production, embedded energy, smart structures, and industrial processes using renewable resources). These four areas were mentioned in the European Council Conclusions 20/21 March 2014 (232 kB) as KETs of high industrial interest that should be strengthened by identifying projects of European interest.

The Structural Funds can be used to finance KETs projects that are much closer to the market, even up to the first production stage of development.

Successful implementation depends on the take-up of funding by regions in their research and innovation smart specialisation strategies. Sixty percent of regions registered in the smart specialisation platform have already indicated a KETs-related priority, and cluster-specific actions are being promoted.

Memorandum of Understanding with the European Investment Bank

KETs have been identified as a priority by the European Investment Bank (EIB). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the European Commission and the EIB in February 2013 to improve access to finance KETs investments. Following the MoU, lending to KETs projects has increased by 60% (from EUR 2.7 billion in 2012 to EUR 4.4 billion in 2013).

As part of the modernisation of state aid rules, the Commission has adopted a new Communication setting out criteria under which EU countries can grant public support for the implementation of Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs). The Communication highlights the role of the IPCEI instrument in the European KETs strategy.